Effects of Platelet Rich Plasma on Colonic Anastomosis

Purpose: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tissue maturation and wound healing in experimental colonic anastomosis. Materials and methods: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group I (control group) was subjected to colon anastomosis only. Group II (PRP group) was subjected to colon anastomosis and topical PRP was applied. Group III (Bioglue group) was subjected to colon anastomosis and topical tissue sealant was applied (Bioglue; Cryolife, Kennesaw, GA). The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, and the bursting pressure of the anastomosis and tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured; histopathological changes on the anastomosis line were also examined. Results: The bursting pressure was statistically higher in the PRP group than in the control and Bioglue groups (P < 0.05). The hydroxyproline levels were also statistically higher in the PRP group than in the control and Bioglue groups (P < 0.05). Histopathologically, there was less inflammatory cell infiltration, intensive fibroblast development, and rich collagen production in the PRP group. Conclusion: PRP may be used in colon anastomosis, especially in patients with impaired wound healing, to obtain a better anastomotic strength. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.